ATM Schoolboy V-Neck (M) // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck T-Shirt (XS)

Before you ask, I finally passed both of those on a while back. The longer lengths and more fitted silhouettes no longer worked as well for me, and they started to feel a little snug after some of the body changes that have come with menopause.

I do still have both the crewneck and v-neck versions of the AllSaints Anna T-Shirt in my closet, but neither feels quite right anymore. They’re both a little too long and wide through the body while somehow also being snug across the chest, and the v-neck has a tendency to shift around and get wonky throughout the day. I’m constantly adjusting the shoulders and tugging it back into place, which gets old fast.

AllSaints Anna Crewneck Cotton T-Shirt (M) // AllSaints Anna V-Neck Cotton T-Shirt (M)

I wish I could tell you I’ve found the unicorn white t-shirt, but not yet. I have found a few promising contenders that I’m keeping for now to see how often I reach for them and how they hold up after washing and wearing.

I think white t-shirts are a lot like jeans. Even when I find a tee I really like, I’m still open to finding an even better one.

So today I’m sharing the best ones I’ve found so far, along with a few that didn’t make the cut. After all, just because they didn’t work for me doesn’t mean they won’t work for you. But first, let me explain what I’m looking for in a white t-shirt.

What I’m Looking For in a White T-Shirt

• High-quality fabric with a nice drape
• Not too sheer, but not too stiff
• Soft, but not clingy
• Not too fitted, but not too boxy
• Not too long, but not cropped (around 22″ is ideal for me)
• A flattering v-neck or a crewneck that isn’t too high
• Sleeves that skim the arm without being too long or wide
• Easy to wear on its own or layer under jackets and cardigans
• Holds its shape after washing

I know, I don’t ask for much, do I?

The Best T-Shirts I’ve Found So Far

After trying quite a few options, these are the ones that have earned a spot in my closet—for now. I’ll share the key details, fit notes, and my thoughts on each one.

While I originally set out to find the perfect white t-shirt, some of the tees I tried are shown here in other colors. Since they’re all available in white, I included them because the fit and fabric are what I was really evaluating.

Splendid Lila V-Neck

c/o Splendid (also at Nordstrom) (M)

also wearing: Madewell Jules (29) // Steve Madden Tracie c/o (8) // Parissa Wang Gabrielle c/o // Madewell necklace

Quick Facts:

• Price: $88
• Fabric: 100% cotton
• Length: 22″
• Neckline: V-neck
• Sleeve: Cap sleeve
• Fit: True to size

My Thoughts: I think this is my favorite so far for wearing on its own. I haven’t tried it under jackets yet, so it may be a little too boxy for layering, but I love the 100% cotton fabric. It’s soft with a nice medium weight, and the wide v-neck is very flattering without being too revealing. The thick neckline trim also gives it a more polished look.

While it’s definitely boxy, it tucks well, and because it isn’t overly long, it doesn’t hang awkwardly in the back the way longer tees do when front-tucked into higher-waisted pants. That’s been my biggest issue with the FRAME, ATM, and AllSaints tees I mentioned above.

My only real complaint with this one, aside from the steep price tag, is the sleeves. They’re described as cap sleeves, but they look and feel a little longer and wider than I’d prefer. I’d love them even more if they were shorter and a bit more streamlined, but it’s not enough to keep me from wearing it. If anything, the longer sleeve gives it a more modern look.

EVEREVE Nina Raglan Tee

at EVEREVE (M)

also wearing: Madewell Jules (29) // Madewell Open Weave Belt in Coffee Bean (M/L) // Dolce Vita Cely Thong Sandals (8) // Maison de Sabre Zipped Bucket c/o // charm bracelet c/o // Luv Aj hoops c/o // Jane Win Grace Coin Pendant c/o

Quick Facts:

• Price: $48
• Fabric: 100% Pima cotton jersey
• Length: 22″
• Neckline: Crewneck
• Sleeve: Raglan cap sleeves
• Fit: Runs small; size up

My Thoughts: This tee is also 100% cotton, but in a slightly weightier fabric that still feels soft. Like the Lila, it’s the perfect 22″ length for a front tuck and has a slightly boxy fit without feeling overly wide.

This one differs in the neckline and sleeves. It’s a crewneck with true cap sleeves and a raglan shoulder, which of course I love. The angled shape of the sleeve is more flattering than the Lila’s sleeve, which creates a horizontal line right across the bust. I also appreciate that the crewneck isn’t too high. It has a feminine shape that’s closer to a jewel neck, with a clean, finished edge.

Overall, this feels like a very polished tee, and the under-$50 price point is a nice bonus.

Fit Note: This tee runs small. I had to size up to a large to get a good fit, and it’s still a bit snug through the bust.

EVEREVE Nora

at EVEREVE (M)

also wearing: Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean (29) // Dolce Vita Laurie c/o DSW (8) // Rebecca Minkoff Edie // Luv Aj hoops c/o // Lili Claspe cuff

Quick Facts:

• Price: $48
• Fabric: 100% Pima cotton jersey
• Length: 22 3/4″
• Neckline: V-neck
• Sleeve: Raglan cap sleeves
• Fit: True to size

My Thoughts: This one is very similar to the Nina, but with a v-neck and trim on the raglan cap sleeves. It has a slightly more relaxed fit, so I was able to wear the medium in this one.

Obviously, I have it in green, but it’s also available in white. If I have any complaints, it’s simply that the fabric is a bit stiffer than I prefer. I tend to like tees with a softer drape, but overall it’s a great little tee, especially for the $48 price point.

Splendid Faye V-Neck Tee

at Splendid and Nordstrom (L)

also wearing: // similar pink linen pants // similar denim jacket (S) // beeks Sunbeam Sandal (8) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo in Cashmere

Quick Facts:

• Price: $48
• Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% rayon
• Length: 23 1/2″
• Neckline: V-neck
• Sleeve: Short sleeves
• Fit: Runs small; size up

My Thoughts: I’ve owned this tee before and repurchased it this year in a size large. I’m showing a photo of the medium from two years ago because I’ve only worn the new one under jackets so far.

The fabric is thin, soft, and quite stretchy, which makes it great for layering but not my favorite for wearing on its own. Even in the larger size, it’s fairly fitted, and the thinner fabric makes me a little self-conscious.

That said, I really like the abbreviated sleeves and the shape of the v-neck. It’s nice to have a more fitted option for layering under jackets and cardigans so you don’t lose your shape under bulkier layers.

MOTHER Little Goodie Goodie Tee in White

at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s & Mother.com (L)

also wearing: Madewell Jules (29) // Dolce Vita Lumen (8) // stretch bracelets // Tom Ford Wallace sunnies // Cuyana raffia clutch c/o

Quick Facts:

• Price: $95
• Fabric: 100% Supima® cotton
• Length: 22″
• Neckline: Crewneck
• Sleeve: Short sleeves
• Fit: Runs small; size up

My Thoughts: I have this tee in a few graphic versions that I love, so I thought I’d give the solid white version a try.

This is the most expensive of the bunch and probably the least polished, at least when it comes to dressing it up or down. For me, it’s strictly a casual tee.

That said, I absolutely love the super-soft Supima cotton. It has a great drape, a relaxed boxy fit, and slightly longer sleeves that somehow work on this one. It definitely has that borrowed-from-the-boys vibe, but it’s perfect for those days when you want an ultra-casual, laid-back look.

Sézane Malcolm T-Shirt in Ecru

at Sézane (M)

also wearing: Madewell Zoe Shorts (10) // Sam Edelman Bay Sandals (8)

Quick Facts:

• Price: $55
• Fabric: 100% Organic cotton
• Length: 24″
• Neckline: V-neck
• Sleeve: Short sleeves
• Fit: True to size

My Thoughts: This one has a really flattering v-neck, and I like the slub texture, but the fabric felt a bit stiff and didn’t drape the way I wanted it to. The 24″ length also feels a little too long on me these days. With current silhouettes and higher-rise pants, I find myself gravitating toward shorter tees that don’t bunch up or hang awkwardly when front-tucked.

Splendid Skye Short Sleeve T-Shirt

at Splendid & Nordstrom (M)

also wearing: KUT Maya c/o (M) // TKEES Lily c/o (8)

Quick Facts:

• Price: $58
• Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% polyester
• Length: 21 1/2″
• Neckline: Scoop neck
• Sleeve: Short sleeves, rolled cuffs
• Fit: True to size

My Thoughts: This is a nice-quality tee with a soft fabric, and it might have been a contender, but the sleeve design didn’t do much for me. I also wasn’t a fan of the high-low curved hemline, which felt a bit dated compared to the straighter, slightly shorter silhouettes I’m gravitating toward these days.

J.Crew Vintage Jersey Classic Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

c/o J.Crew (M)

also wearing: PAIGE Anessa Twisted c/o (30) // adidas Spezial (8)

Quick Facts:

• Price: $34.50
• Fabric: 100% cotton
• Length: 24″
• Neckline: Crewneck
• Sleeve: Short sleeve
• Fit: True to size

My Thoughts: This is a nice option with a smooth, soft feel, and it’s a good value for a 100% cotton tee. But the sleeves flare out a bit more than I like, and the length is slightly longer than I prefer, making it awkward to front tuck into higher-rise jeans like the ones I’m wearing here. The crewneck also sits a little high, which isn’t especially flattering on me.

Nation Los Angeles Laurence Baby Tee

c/o Nation Los Angeles (M)

also wearing: EVEREVE linen pants (M) // Dolce Vita Galae Heels (8)

Quick Facts:

• Price: $90
• Fabric: 100% Pima Cotton
• Length: 22 1/2″
• Neckline: Crewneck
• Sleeve: Short sleeves
• Fit: True to size

My Thoughts: This is one of those tees that just fits me awkwardly, even though it’s a nice-quality piece. The crewneck sits high and has an extra trim detail that draws even more attention to that area. It also fits snugly across the chest without much drape, and the sleeves are quite boxy. Overall, it’s a very boyish fit, which I suppose is the point, but it’s not the most flattering silhouette on me.

Where I Am Now

While I haven’t found the unicorn white t-shirt yet, I’ve found a few strong contenders. If I had to pick favorites today, the Splendid Lila and EVEREVE Nina would probably be at the top of my list, although they each have their strengths and weaknesses.

Of course, the search continues. I already have a few more on the way, and if I discover one that checks all the boxes, I’ll be sure to report back.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. If you’ve found a white t-shirt that you swear by, tell me about it in the comments.

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